Los Alamos Researchers Use Protons to Photograph Detonation Waves

Photonics SpectraOct 1997
For the first time, scientists have used a technique known as proton radiography to image a dynamic experiment. Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory's Neutron Science Center sent a proton beam from a linear accelerator through a special chamber as an explosion went off, creating a clear image of the detonation wave. In recent experiments, researchers have focused on radiography as a way to ensure that the US nuclear weapons stockpile remains safe and reliable in the absence of nuclear weapons tests. The Los Alamos test is the first using protons, which work better than x-rays or neutrons, for dynamic experiments.

The Los Alamos test is the first using protons, which work better than x-rays or neutrons, for dynamic experiments.